‘Major boost to Nigeria’s image’ — Ohanaeze hails judgment on Nnamdi Kanu 

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has hailed the appeal court’s judgement on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

On Thursday, the court struck out the seven-count charge against Kanu, including the terrorism accusation filed by the federal government.

Kanu was re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge, but on April 8, the judge struck out eight counts.

Through his team of lawyers led by Mike Ozekhome, Kanu filed an appeal marked CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022, praying the court to quash the remaining seven counts for being devoid of merit.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Hanatu Sankey, held that the federal government flouted the Terrorism Act and violated all known international conventions and treaties guiding the extradition process, thus, breaching the rights of the respondent.

The court further held that having illegally and forcefully renditioned the appellant from Kenya, the trial court is stripped of jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu.

Reacting in a statement issued by Chiedozie Ogbonnia, its spokesperson, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the verdict is a “major boost to the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations”.

“This is a plus to the Nigerian democracy and a sign that brighter days lie ahead. What occurred today is a sign of bright light at the end of the tunnel,” the statement reads.

Ogbonnia said Ohanaeze led by Ambassador George Obiozor “has maintained that Nnamdi Kanu is a phenomenon that expresses the injustice, orchestrated alienation and inequity against the Igbo. On the other hand, all the oppressed groups in Nigeria are symbolized in Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu, therefore, symbolizes the Igbo collective unconscious”.

“Obiozor has repeatedly reminded the federal government that the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. The fate of Nnamdi Kanu had caused tremendous apprehensions including the Monday Sit at Home, its enforcement by the unknown gunmen, the roadblocks on the major roads in all parts of Igbo land and ultimately the monumental loss of goods, especially in the South East of Nigeria. This explains why the landmark judgement by the appeal court justices has reverberated across the country and beyond with jubilation galore.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo salutes the courage and uprightness of the Court of Appeal justices for this landmark judgement. We want to use this opportunity to commend the indefatigability, steadfastness and commitment of all the legal luminaries that sacrificed their intellect and resources in defence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and in the pursuit of justice.”